Group Art Therapy

[Crazy Cat Lady]

Hi,

I have been given the opportunity to engage with group art therapy. I've never done anything like this before, I've only ever had individual therapy and I'm very anxious. I'm worried about being in a group as I find it hard to share how I feel and know I won't be able to do this in a group! The CMHT said they won't offer me individual support as I've had private therapy. I have been on the waiting list for a support worker for 5 months and heard nothing. I'm not the sort of person to chase things up.

My new Psychiatrist is also listed as my care coordinator; does anyone know why this is? I only see her every 3 months for CPA's.

Any advice would be great.

K

[whirlpools]

Hi, I've had group art therapy. When I did it, a large part of the session involved actually making your art (in the group but on your own). The second part of the group was about sharing and exploring. We each said a sentence about our work but nobody was made to say or do anything. The people who are familiar with the group are likely to take more of a role in talking (though anyone is free to say anything whenever they want!) So once you become more used to it all you might find it easier. It can be really helpful because you might see something someone else has made and think 'oh actually I relate to that' and feel less alone.

[sherlock holmes]

I found art therapy to be really effective, and I did it in a group setting. We were free to make anything we wanted, or to use one of the suggested topics during the first part of the session. In the second part we were encouraged to say what we made and what it meant. Even listening to others sharing was really helpful for me because I could relate to things they said. I didn't talk much at the start but as I felt more comfortable it became easier to talk.

You should chase up with the CMHT- they might have forgotten your referral and if you don't ring them they may never sort it out.

A care co-ordinator is the person who oversees your care at the CMHT. A CC can be anyone like a social worker, CPN, OT, psychiatrist etc. So in your case they decided your psychiatrist would also be your CC.

[random.swirls]

Sounds like you are on a standard care plan aka only have one professional involved in your care. As a result the psychiatrist would be your care coordinator.

[Crazy Cat Lady]

Thanks for all your replies.

Regarding CMHT, I just see the Psychiatrist every 3 months for CPA's. I see a private therapist (my choice) and under Spectrum (drug service) and see my key worker weekly. I think that's why the Psych is the CC.

[random.swirls]

Yep that would be a standard care plan

[consequential]

I went to the group one in hospital and spent a lot of time drawing on my bedside food table. It was one of the few things that helped as well as walking every day. Then when I came out I did the individual one and loved it. I can't see any negative things about it at all. You can create something that can't be put into words.